Three new area business people have joined the Bend Downtowners Association Board of Directors.

Dion Agee, of King of Sole; Susan Gierga of David Evans and Associates; and Sean McCann of BendNights.com are stepping up to help the association find new ways to market and improve the district.

The association’s goal is to bring awareness and improvements to downtown Bend.From the eclectic mix of unique shops, fine eateries, and art galleries to sprawling Drake Park situated on picturesque Mirror Pond, the association encourages new and old residents alike to venture out and discover all the district has to offer.

“It is such a great piece of what Bend and Central Oregon has to offer,” said Agee.

He joined the organization approximately a year ago after starting his shoe and accessory business on Wall. “After signing my lease for The King of Sole I attended the Bend Downtowners Association meetings for the past year and realized how important it was and wanted to get more involved.”

As a new board member, his goal is to contribute to making the Bend Downtowners Association a positive representation of the interests of its members.

“With a strong organization we can act together to keep downtown a vibrant, entertaining part of Bend,” said Agee.

Marketing is going to be his first focus.With the area growing by leaps and bounds, he said it is vital that the association and its members work together to make sure that downtown can compete with other retail and dining areas that are coming to the area.

Gierga’s office is in the heart of downtown and combines the talents of architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, scientists, and surveyors to provide its clients access to a complete range of services.

She is an avid bicycle rider, member of the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association and recently participated in the Pacific Crest Endurance Duathlon.

McCann is the visionary behind a local night-life web site. It is a central location where visitors can get all of their dining, events and movie information. "Our goal is to bring both locals and visitors to the Central Oregon area to enjoy its beauty and charm," according to the site.

Meanwhile, projects already underway for the association are in full bloom.Flower baskets and planters have been sprouting all over downtown.The Downtowners Economic Improvement District will be maintaining the baskets throughout the summer.

The district has also hired a contractor to regularly clean the sidewalks and pick up trash through October 1.

The Bend Downtowners Association encourages other business owners to learn more about the organization.Agee said, “It’s a great way to share their voice and opinions about the area they are doing business in.”